As Filipinos observe All Souls’ Day, pre-need company PhilPlans is encouraging families to plan ahead for funeral expenses to help ease the financial and emotional burden on loved ones when a family member passes away.
The company emphasized that preparing for funeral arrangements involves more than setting aside money. Families should also understand the costs of memorial services, review available packages, and discuss their preferences for burial or cremation before the need arises.
According to PhilPlans, funeral packages may not always cover all the expenses associated with a wake, burial, or cremation. A package advertised at PHP 40,000, for example, could still result in additional charges depending on the services included.
Families are therefore advised to request itemized quotations, compare package inclusions, and clarify which services require separate payments to avoid unexpected expenses.
Funeral costs can vary significantly depending on the service provider, location, facilities, and arrangements selected. PhilPlans noted that extended chapel use alone could cost an additional PHP 5,000 to PHP 15,000 per day, depending on the facility.
Other expenses, including cemetery lots, interment fees, transportation, food for visitors, and related arrangements, may not be included in standard funeral packages.
To help families prepare for these financial obligations, PhilPlans offers memorial products designed to provide funding for future funeral arrangements.
Among these is the PhilPlans Memorial Fund (PMF), which allows planholders to allocate funds toward a preferred memorial service package, subject to the plan’s benefit amount and terms.
The company has also established partnerships with more than 300 accredited mortuary service providers nationwide and offers round-the-clock assistance to help families coordinate funeral arrangements.
Another product, PMF Plus, includes additional benefits such as Immediate Cash Assistance, which provides funds that may be used to address expenses during the wake.
PhilPlans President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Monico V. Jacob said discussing funeral preferences and financial considerations in advance could help families avoid difficult decisions during periods of grief.
“Preparation can begin with a simple conversation about what a family wants and what it can reasonably afford. Understanding the available options and making arrangements ahead of time can help loved ones avoid having to make every decision at once,” Jacob said.
The company stressed that early planning can help families establish realistic budgets, identify potential additional expenses, and make informed decisions about the memorial services they prefer.
With All Souls’ Day approaching, PhilPlans is urging Filipinos to consider financial preparation as part of caring for their families, alongside the traditional practice of remembering and honoring departed loved ones.
By discussing funeral arrangements and understanding available financial options ahead of time, families may be better positioned to manage expenses and focus on honoring their loved ones when the time comes.
More information about PhilPlans and its memorial products is available at www.philplans.com.ph.